BMA, LAES and NCS Applications | Megathread

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Welcome
Welcome to the Official BMA, LAE and NCS Applications thread. This thread is intended for applicants seeking advice on which school may be most suitable to apply to based on their individual applicant profiles. This megathread has been newly established and is currently a work in progress, with updates being made regularly. All future threads on this topic will be merged into this thread.
This thread contains all application discussion for this cycle, including questions, advice, updates, timelines, and FAQs. Please read this hub post before posting and always follow TSR Community Guidelines.

How to use this megathread
Step 1: Identify your sixth form(s)
Scroll to post #2 for BMA, post #3 for LAES and post #4 for NCS application information.

Step 2: Post your question or update
When posting, please include specific but also relevant details. If you're wanting advice on your statistics, please consider using the following format:
- GCSEs and/or equivalent: full subject/grade breakdown
- A-Level combination you wish to take
- Contextual information
- The research you have done and any preferences
- Any other information you feel is useful

Step 3: Be patient and respectful
Response times vary and comparisons are rarely helpful. Please keep this thread supportive.

Who can I tag for assistance?
5hyl33n - I am a long standing TSR volunteer focused on providing impartial support to students. While I am not familiar with the specific application processes for these institutions, I aim to ensure students feel supported rather than pressured in their decision making and to help address common myths around the Russell Group, the EBacc and what defines a successful student.

Abcees123s - I am currently in Year 12 at NCS studying A-Level Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

iugusd - I am currently in Year 12 at LAES studying A-Level Maths, Economics, Philosophy, and Politics.

urfavrowboat - I am currently in Year 13 at NCS studying A-Level Biology (AQA), Chemistry (AQA), and Psychology (Edexcel)

Important:
A final note and disclaimer: the school you attend is not a measure of your ability or your potential. Long term success comes from being in an environment where you feel comfortable, motivated and genuinely interested in what you are studying. Feeling supported and engaged matters far more than the name of an institution.

Applying can be a stressful experience, and this thread is not intended to promote any particular institution. Its purpose is to provide a central space for discussion where information can be shared clearly and common misconceptions can be challenged, helping to prevent unhelpful or misleading narratives from developing.

Happy posting and good luck with your application(s)! :yep:

(edited 2 months ago)

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

5hyl33n

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

BMA Applications

When do applications open and close?
The online application portal will open on 9 January 2026. In order to be considered for a place for September 2026, all applicants must have submitted their application by Thursday 12 February 2026.

What are the entry requirements?
In order to be considered for a place you must meet the following minimum entry conditions:
6.5 Average Points Score across all GCSEs
Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and Grade 5 in English Language

Subject Specific Entry Requirements

Combination Specific Entry Requirements

What is the application process?
Step 1: Submit your application to BMA
The online application portal will open on Friday 9 January 2026. In order to be considered for a place for September 2026, all applicants must have submitted their application by Thursday 12 February 2026.

Step 2: BMA will acknowledge receipt of applications from external applicants
The current school will be asked to complete a reference. The sole purpose of the reference is to obtain predicted GCSE grades. The current school must submit this reference to BMA via their online application system by the stated deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their referee submits this reference in time for BMA to consider their application.

Step 3: All applicants will receive a response from BMA
The first update about the progress of an applicants' application will be by Friday 27 March 2026.

Stage 4: All applicants who meet the entry criteria are invited to a meeting to discuss options and academic entry requirements for their chosen subjects at BMA
Please note that this meeting will not form part of the decision-making process on admission into BMA but should the applicant fail to attend the meeting, BMA will assume the applicant is no longer interested in progressing their application and they will be unable to enrol.

Step 5: Applicants who have met the entry criteria and attended a meeting will be invited to attend a Taster Day at BMA
There are two dates for this Taster Day: Tuesday 23 June 2026 and Wednesday 24 June 2026. Attendance at meetings does not form part of the admissions decision but may be required to progress an application.

Step 6: Applicants must upload GCSE results to BMA admission portal
Applicants must upload GCSE results to BMA admissions portal by 13:00 on GCSE Results Day, Thursday 20 August 2026. Enrolment meetings will take place the day after GCSE Results Day by appointment/invitation only. An enrolment meeting will confirm whether a place can be offered based on actual GCSE grades and course availability.

Key Dates
Applications Open - Friday 9 January 2026
References Due - Thursday 12 February 2026
Applications Close - Thursday 12 February 2026
First Update - Friday 27 March 2026
Options and Academic Entry Requirements Meeting - TBC
Taster Days - Tuesday 23 June 2026 and Wednesday 24 June 2026
GCSE Results Upload - Thursday 20 August 2026 by 13:00
Enrolment Meeting - Thursday 21 August 2026

Reply 2

5hyl33n

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

LAES Applications

When do applications open and close?
The online application portal will open on Tuesday 16 December 2025. In order to be considered for a place for September 2026, all applicants must have started their application by Friday 6 February 2026 and submitted their application by Friday 13 February 2026.

What are the entry requirements?
In order to be considered for a place you must meet the following minimum entry conditions:
At least eight GCSEs at grades 7 to 9
At least a grade 7 in Mathematics
At least a grade 7 in English Language
All subject-specific requirements relevant to their chosen A level courses

Subject Specific Entry Requirements

Combination Specific Entry Requirements

What is the application process?
Step 1: Submit your application to LAES
The online application portal will open on Tuesday 16 December 2025. In order to be considered for a place for September 2026, all applicants must have started their application by Friday 6 February 2026 and submitted their application by Friday 13 February 2026.
The applicant must ensure they have:
- Predicted grades for their final Y11 GCSE Exams (not from Y10 mocks) and/or achieved grades for any exams they have already taken previously
- A scan of their photo ID or birth certificate
- The correct details for their referee (email address and full name)

Step 2: Await reference from your current school
All applications must be supported by a reference from a teacher at the applicants' current school who will verify the information they have provided us with - this reference will be requested automatically upon completion of the applicants' online application and must be submitted by Wednesday 25 February 2026, along with any changes to submitted applications.
It is the duty of the applicant to ensure an accurate reference is submitted by the reference deadline. While LAES make every effort they can to remind of the deadline, it is ultimately the responsibility of the applicant and parent/carer to follow up with their current school to ensure their application is completed fully.

Step 3: Accept provisional offer
Having submitted an application, successful applicants will receive a provisional offer of a place at LAES. The applicant must accept this offer in principle and confirm the details of their offer, including A level subject choices.

Step 4: Applicants are invited to a Taster Day
LAES invite provisional offer-holders to attend one of their Taster Days: an individually timetabled afternoon of A-level taster classes and an excellent opportunity to meet students and LAES' expert teaching staff. The applicant will also receive information about enrolment and induction and life at LAES.There are two dates for this Taster Day: Tuesday 23 June 2026 at 13:30 and Thursday 25 June 2026 at 13:30
This is an invitation-only event. Not being invited to a Taster Day does not impact your provisional offer.

Step 5: Applicants must upload GCSE results to LAES admission portal
Applicants must upload GCSE results along with a transcript and a scan/image of their official ID to LAES admissions portal on GCSE Results Day, Thursday 20 August 2026.
Successful provisional offer holders will then be invited to enrol and must attend in person on enrolment day to complete their enrolment at LAES. Please note that no place at LAES is guaranteed until the applicant has completed their enrolment.
Enrolment days are held on Thursday 20 August 2026 and Friday 21 August 2026.

Key Dates
Applications Open - Tuesday 16 December 2025
Application Start Deadline - Friday 6 February 2026
Applications Close - Friday 13 February 2026
References Due - Wednesday 25 February 2026
Provisional Offer - TBC
Taster Day - Tuesday 23 June 2026 at 13:30 and Thursday 25 June 2026 at 13:30
GCSE Results Upload - Thursday 20 August 2026
Enrolment Day - Thursday 20 August 2026 and Friday 21 August 2026

Reply 3

5hyl33n

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

NCS Applications

When do applications open and close?
The online application portal will open on Thursday 1 January 2026. In order to be considered for a place for September 2026, all applicants must have submitted their application by Tuesday 13 February 2026 at 18:00.

What are the entry requirements?
In order to be considered for a place you must meet the following minimum entry conditions:
A minimum of 62 points from best 8 GCSEs, which must include the EBacc subjects, (vocational courses e.g., BTEC courses, subjects without a substantial written examination and community languages will not be included in the best 8)
A grade 7 in GCSE English Language and a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics
All subject-specific requirements relevant to their chosen A level courses

Subject Specific Entry Requirements

Combination Specific Entry Requirements

What is the application process?
Step 1: Submit your application to NCS
The online application portal will open on Thursday 1 January 2026. In order to be considered for a place for September 2026, all applicants must have submitted their application by Tuesday 13 February 2026 at 18:00.

Step 2: Open Evening
NCS' open evening is an opportunity to find out more about their A-Level education. Applicants will spend time with current students and teaching staff, providing them with the perfect opportunity to ask questions and discover all they need to know about the subjects they're interested in studying and what life at NCS is actually like.
There is one date for this Open Evening: Thursday 22 January 2026
Not attending an Open Evening does not mean an applicants' application will not be considered, but it can be helpful in supporting applicants when deciding whether NCS is the right choice for them.

Step 3: Taster Day
To ensure everyone has a fair chance of attending NCS only make tickets available much closer to the event date at which point they'll be available on a first-come first-served basis until tickets are sold out.
Not attending a Taster Day does not mean an applicants' application will not be considered, but it can be helpful in supporting applicants when deciding whether NCS is the right choice for them.

Step 4:
Applicants must upload GCSE results to NCS admissions portal by 12:00 on GCSE Results Day, Thursday 20 August 2026.
Enrolment days are held on Thursday 20 August 2026 and Friday 21 August 2026.

Key Dates
Applications Open - 1 January 2026
Applications Close - Tuesday 13 February 2026 at 18:00
Open Evening - Thursday 22 January 2026
Taster Day - TBC
GCSE Results Upload - Thursday 20 August 2026
Enrolment Day - Thursday 20 August 2026 and Friday 21 August 2026

Reply 4

mo8

Hi, I want to apply to LAE Stratford and have a few questions

1. Im predicted 99998887 out of my best eight right now but im going to see if i can get them changed to 99999987. what are the chances i get an offer before changing my predicted grades and after and how likely am i to get invited to the induction. i dont meet the criteria for any of the priority applicants.

2. would you mind sharing your predicted grades and actual grades for those that go to LAE Stratford.

3. what are the pros and cons of going here.

i want to do bio chem maths and either physics or geography

thank you

Reply 5

Kenbenma

My GCSE mock results come out after the NCS, LAE and Brampton Manor deadlines.
Is it possible to update mock results later after submitting the application?

I’m hoping to attend taster days, so I don’t want to delay applying until results day. Thanks!

Reply 6

inumakii

For LAES applications, after the section where you enter your predicted grades, and it tells you to give your average score for sciences and maths - are you meant to average it from your current grades or predicted?
Thank you so much :smile:

Reply 7

H3kubz

i had a queation for lae , if i have 1 parent who has attended university but 1 parent who hasnt what box should be ticked for if my parents have attended university

Reply 8

5hyl33n

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by H3kubz

i had a queation for lae , if i have 1 parent who has attended university but 1 parent who hasnt what box should be ticked for if my parents have attended university

What are the options? 🙂

Reply 9

5hyl33n

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by inumakii

I've moved your post to the BMA, LAES and NCS Applications | Megathread

The website states to ensure you have:
Predicted grades for your final Y11 GCSE Exams (not from Y10 mocks) and/or achieved grades for any exams you have already taken previously.

https://www.lae.ac.uk/222/how-to-apply-for-september-2026-a-step-by-step-guide

I believe you must then give an average score based on your predicted grades, not from your current grades.

Reply 10

5hyl33n

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Kenbenma

I've moved your post to the BMA, LAES and NCS Applications | Megathread

Does your school not know your predicted grades?

Reply 11

H3kubz

yes and no

Reply 12

urfaverowboat

Original post

by H3kubz

yes and no

As someone who did apply to LAE wirh the same situation, you put yes

Reply 13

urfaverowboat

Original post

by Kenbenma

My GCSE mock results come out after the NCS, LAE and Brampton Manor deadlines.
Is it possible to update mock results later after submitting the application?
I’m hoping to attend taster days, so I don’t want to delay applying until results day. Thanks!

For NCS at least:
No, once you submit, as mentioned on the website you cannot update your predicted grades or any details after pressing submit. You must ask your school to give you your predicted grades beforehand or use the last set of grades you have for your subjects as your predicted grades. I recommend you ask the teacher who will provide your reference, what predicted grades they will submit for you so you can put down the same ones.

Reply 14

Rayyan637

Original post

by Kenbenma

My GCSE mock results come out after the NCS, LAE and Brampton Manor deadlines.
Is it possible to update mock results later after submitting the application?
I’m hoping to attend taster days, so I don’t want to delay applying until results day. Thanks!

no however you can email the schools with all the information

Reply 15

devpat3015

Hey my top 8 predicted is : 99999988. Average point score should be 8.75 but shows as 8.625. When I change to all 9s , it show as 8.895. Its odd but just want to know if this occurs to anyone else.

Reply 16

5hyl33n

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by mo8

I've moved your post to the BMA, LAES and NCS Applications | Megathread :yep:

Reply 17

5hyl33n

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by devpat3015

Hey my top 8 predicted is : 99999988. Average point score should be 8.75 but shows as 8.625. When I change to all 9s , it show as 8.895. Its odd but just want to know if this occurs to anyone else.

I've moved your post to the BMA, LAES and NCS Applications | Megathread :yep:

Reply 18

Leiavael

Hi i just wanted to ask wether i would have a standing chance to get into one of these sixth forms with my predicted being 988888888 the 9 being in history and the a levels i would like to pick being politics history and english literature and possibly psychology